(FT206: 34-35)

Derek Coyle left the famous Yorkshire regiment the Green Howards in 1983 to come to the Tower of London, where he has been looking after Britain’s most important birds for the last 22 years. JEN OGILVIE spoke to him about life as the Yeoman Ravenmaster and his famous feathered charges.

FT: What is a typical day for you as Ravenmaster?

DC: In winter, my day will start at 7 o’clock. I will scrub all the water bowls out first. And then I’ll feed the birds, and then I’ll clean the cages out. And then I’ll get myself ready for work. I’ll normally go to work about 9 o’clock.